It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Australia, who after victory in the first Test completely blew their chances in the second. They then went on to register an embarassing loss at Hove to hand the Invitationals their first win of the summer.

All is not lost - the series remains 1-1 after all - and the Australian spin battery will fancy their chances of becoming a threat on a dry Old Trafford pitch, while England only have the one spinner to call on. The Australians' middle order should also give them an advantage over the hosts. Haddin, Super and Loblaw have all had their moments on tour while Spark and Monk both reached hundreds in the last Test. If these players can come together as a unit, England could be in serious trouble.

PN Suifdadny - rested for the match at Hove - will resume his place in the side to aid an unreliable attack. With turn expected to be there from the outset at Old Trafford, EC Player seems to be the one to miss out. MW Monk will also come back in to strengthen the middle order.

The tourists were greeted with a visibly worn pitch on the first day, and decided to bowl first. Neil Pickup reacted by launching the final ball of Coco's first over for six for his first scoring shot of the day. The keeper-batsman lasted half an hour before getting out for 14 at the other end. Kevin Moody joined Fred Fertang at the crease to ease out a steady opening session, and was still there at lunch after Loblaw dropped a chance to remove him from Lewis' first over.

From 80/1 at the break they began to pick up the tempo. Fertang raised his half century from 144 balls with a crisp cut shot for four off Stephen, and shortly after the hundred partnership came up. Once again, however, Moody failed to make it to fifty as he was caught behind, Dan Wayne making the breakthrough. While Fertang progressed Robertson looked skittish, and became Wayne's second victim for 14. Australia completed a good session in the field with a third wicket when Wood - who was dropped by Wayne off his own bowling in the preceding over - was caught lbw to Coco. England were 202/4 at tea.

Fertang and Ardley progressed well against the spinners in the evening session, with Lewis in particular leaking runs. Fertang raised a fine century, but Ardley was beginning to take the spotlight with his 67-ball fifty. The new ball was taken, but it was to no avail as the runs continued to flow. An unbeaten hundred stand marked the session as England comprehensively claimed the first day.